Laureates line up: a special poetry event with our most celebrated poets

By National Library of New Zealand | Posted: Friday Oct 10, 2025

Wellington - 27 November 2025

Eleven New Zealand Poets Laureate line up for poetry, with Fergus Barrowman as MC, in a key event for the National Library’s 60th birthday celebration.

A rare gathering of our most celebrated poet. Come along to a poetry reading featuring nearly all living New Zealand Poets Laureate.

It’s been almost 30 years since John Buck created the Te Mata Estate Winery Laureate Award and Bill Manhire became our first Laureate. Both will be there to support an outstanding line-up of poets: Elizabeth Smither, Jenny Bornholdt, Michele Leggott, Cilla McQueen, Ian Wedde, Karl Stead, Selina Tusitala Marsh, David Eggleton, Chris Tse, and Robert Sullivan.

Fergus Barrowman, publisher at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University Press, will MC the event. There will also be special readings to honour the late Vincent O’Sullivan and Brian Turner, shared by Vincent’s son Dominic and Brian’s partner, writer Jillian Sullivan.

This free, public event promises to be a highlight of Wellington’s poetry scene in 2025.

Event by National Library of New Zealand
Corner Molesworth and Aitken Streets, Thorndon, Wellington, New Zealand 6011
Duration: 2 hr

About the New Zealand Poet Laureate Award: About the New Zealand Poet Laureate Award | National Library of New Zealand